Higher stroke rates linked to number of takeaways

Published on Thursday 19 February 2009 21:03

FAST-food restaurants are directly associated with higher stroke rates in their neighbourhood, research has shown.

Scientists found that the risk of stroke depended on how many takeaways operated in an area. Residents of districts with the most fast-food outlets were 13 per cent more likely to suffer strokes than people living in localities with the fewest.

The relative risk of stroke increased by 1 per cent for each additional fast-food restaurant in a neighbourhood, researchers in the United States discovered.

However, the researchers said the results did not prove that fast-food restaurants were causing strokes.

Professor Lewis Morgenstern, the study leader from the University of Michigan, said:

"Is it direct consumption of fast-food? Is it the lack of more healthy options? Is there something completely different in these neighbourhoods associated with poor health?"

The findings were presented at the International Stroke Conference organised by the American Stroke Association in San Diego.

Strokes occur when the brain is damaged by a loss of blood supply due to a blockage or leak.

Joanne Murphy, the medical research liaison officer at the Stroke Association, said:

"We have known for some time that food high in saturated fat and salt, which is often the case with fast-food, contributes to high blood pressure and obesity, which are risk factors for stroke.

"The conclusion here is very simple, treat fast-foods as an occasional treat and only eat them as part of a balanced diet."